Pavelec solid in net as Czechs beat Latvia

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This article was published 14/02/2014 (4481 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SOCHI, Russia — Jaromir Jagr and his Czech Republic team bounced back and captured a solid win over Latvia on Friday at the Olympics.

Jagr had a goal and showed the poise and hockey sense that makes him one of the greatest players in the world on any size of ice as he led the Czechs to a 4-2 win over Latvia.

The Czechs are now 1-1 after a tournament opening loss to Sweden and Friday’s victory.

Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec earned the start in goal and was solid in the win.

“I felt good. It’s good to get a win and to be part of the Olympics,” said Pavelec. “I wanted to play against Sweden but it was a coach’s decision. I did my job and we won. I have no idea who [will] play in the next game but obviously I want to play.”

The Czechs’ next game is Saturday against Switzerland. Moments after Pavelec spoke, Czech management confirmed he will get the start Saturday.

Jets forward Michael Frolik had another clean game for the Czechs, doing his job on the fourth line in a mostly checking role.

Lativan defenceman Arturs Kulda, also a member of the Jets organization but currently not under contract, said after the game his future with Winnipeg is uncertain.

“I have a two-year deal in the KHL and I’m happy there. Winnipeg still owns me but I don’t know what their plans are,” said Kulda. “We’ll see.”

Martin Erat, Marek Zidlicky and Jakub Voracek also scored for the Czechs.

Former Manitoba Moose forward Herb Vasiljevs and Jakub Sprukts scored for Lativa.

 

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @garylawless